Students lead staff PLD day

Posted on 28 November, 2016

Kaipara College recently held a whole staff PLD day that was planned and facilitated by a group of students and members of their local hapū.

Empowering students
The College has always gathered a variety of student voice across a range of issues.

However, when the Kia Eke Panuku Strategic Change Leadership Team (SCLT) examined what was happening in the school, they found little evidence to show that student agency was then being supported and promoted as a result.

The SCLT also wanted to ensure they did not make decisions from the evidence they were gathering without the students being part of that collaborative process

Student agency
Over a period of three months the SCLT organised wānanga alongside senior students gathering their thoughts about learning at Kaipara College and their understanding of the notion of Māori succeeding as Māori. These wānanga have led to a student agency group being formed that is actively involved in decision making at Kaipara College.

This group meets regularly with SCLT and co-constructs possible approaches that could be implemented into the school operations, including the student-facilitated staff PLD day.

Authenticity and ongoing review
The student leaders continue to look for authentic ways to improve Māori student’s experiences of learning at Kaipara College and involve their parents, whānau and community in the school environment.

This process is an ongoing cycle of review for the school. It has challenged and continues to challenge the SCLT and SLT in communication that supports and strengthens reciprocal, learning-centred relationships.

It also has potential to develop the school leaders approach to collaboration that enriches opportunities for students to become confident, connected, actively involved, learners.